How to Install Laminate Flooring Over a Tile Floor

Can I install laminate flooring over a ceramic tile floor? – Dorothy

Hi Dorothy,

The short answer is yes, you can install laminate flooring over a ceramic tile floor, if the tile floor is in good condition, and the tile are well attached, level, and flat. The process would be the same as installing a laminate floor on a concrete slab.

However, if the existing ceramic tile floor isn’t flat and smooth, or if it has tile that are out of level or have a protruding corner, your laminate flooring will make you feel like you’re walking in a funhouse!

In that case, you can either opt to tear out all the tile and start from scratch, or use a leveling compound on top of the tile floor to even it out prior to installing the laminate.

Backed by his 40-year remodeling career, Danny served as the home improvement expert for CBS’s The Early Show and The Weather Channel for more than a decade. His extensive hands-on experience and understanding of the industry make him the go-to source for all things having to do with the home – from advice on simple repairs, to complete remodels, to helping homeowners prepare their homes for extreme weather and seasons.

I was told by a large company that they wouldn’t lay laminate or vinyl planking over tile as the warranty would be void. Tiles are smooth, level & flat. Grout is in good condition. I really want to get this done.

Hi, Michelle,
You should be fine to install it over the existing flooring as long as there is no visible rotten wood. We suggest gluing the new subfloor with construction adhesive and using screws in a 6-inch grid pattern.
Good luck!

My basement floor had linoleum sqares on it then a carpet that has left the glue from the vinyl sqares and carpet. I tried to remove it but cannot get it off. can I install a floating vinyl floor over this?

We want to install laminate flooring over existing ceramic tile. The tile is in good shape but there are some corners that seem a little high and a couple that are loose. Our local retail store will not install over tile but they have a local contractor who will but witbout a warranty. Help..advice please.

Hi, Barbara,
Danny says, “Any loose tile or raised tile would need to be leveled. This could be done by removing the higher tiles and then filling that void and any other void with floor patch compound.
“Then the cushioned underlayment should be installed before the laminate completes the project.
Thanks for your question, and good luck with this project!”

Hi, Becky!
The steps would be different for your project.
You’ll need to sand the floor, apply a bonding primer to the surface, and then towel on a floor-leveling compound to fill the grout joints on the old floor.
Do this to have a completely flat, level surface that will accept the new tile.
Good luck!

Hi! I am planning on having laminate installed over tile. the tile is in good condition and level. 2 questions, laminate floors vary so what is a good type (not color) pricing and thickness seem to vary. Not trying to break the bank but want a nice floor. 2. is it necessary to but something down between the two (pergo for example) and if so what are the differences in those. Thanks!

I have underfloor heating beneath porcelain tiles (rough finish). I wish I could have made my purchase for smooth tiles but wife got involved and we ended up with a huge tiled area (about 80sqm2). I would like to install laminate floor in living room and hall area but without removing the tiles due to the complexity and costs. Is this possible? What thickness can I used that would not affect the UFH but at the same time would not be affected by it. BTW, grout is cracking in some areas and contractors will return in few months to relay those affected tiles. Thanks

Hi, Noah!
What a great question! We recommend submitting unique questions like yours to the Today’s Homeowner Radio Show.
Please use this form to contact Danny Lipford, America’s Home Expert, directly: https://todayshomeowner.com/radio/ask-questions/
Take care!

Hi, Judy!
It sounds like your ceramic tiles are in perfect condition and there are no holes or cracks to worry about; that’s great!
If the ceramic tiles have deep joints, you’ll need to smooth the entire floor with leveling compound. This ensures the lines won’t show through the vinyl flooring.
After surface prep, lay the sheet vinyl according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which vary.
For instance, here’s vinyl flooring that doesn’t even require adhesive: https://todayshomeowner.com/video/how-to-install-vinyl-flooring-without-using-adhesive/
Good luck with your project!

I was basically going through heaps of queries to find out if I can lay laminate floorings on tiles. I even sought for local help, but the only advice i got was to completely rip it off. And then i came across your answers, it kind of relieved my thoughts, i was worried that i would be paying additional dollars just to get it off. Now i can confidently talk with the floorings installers and ask them to follow your advice of laying laminate floors. Thank you, you saved me from going broke 🙂

My whole house has 18″ tile flooring with no transitions between rooms, it is level but I would like to break up the look with some laminate flooring in some of the rooms (or eventually all of the rooms), If I chose to lay laminate down in one room, what is a good way to transition to the remaining tile floor which will be slightly lower than the laminate?